Several areas on Cape Flats to have no water for 72hrs.

Residents in several areas of the Cape Flats have been urged to store water in clean, sealed containers, and/or in sinks or baths where possible, before Monday, as the City of Cape Town will embark on a 72-hour maintenance operation starting at midnight on Monday.

PICTURE: Pixabay

These areas - Wynberg, Wetton, Ottery, Plumstead, Diep River, Lakeside, Southfield, Elfindale, Heathfield, Retreat, Steenberg, Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Vrygrond, Muizenberg, Marina Da GamaCapricorn Park, Parkwood, Fairways, Lotus River, Grassy Park, Zeekoevlei, Pelican Park, Pelican Heights, Peacock Close, Eagle Park - will have no water during this period.

‘’This work will ensure that the City’s pipe infrastructure is in the best possible condition for years to come. Despite the temporary inconvenience, the long-lasting benefits are necessary to best ensure service delivery in a growing city,’’ said Zahid Badroodien, Mayco Member for Water & Sanitation.

‘’This shutdown is necessary so that crucial maintenance work can be done safely on an important section of our water supply network which includes replacing faulty valves. We do sincerely regret the inconvenience this will cause to many of our residents, but delaying this work has the potential for even greater risk to our water supply in the near future. It is being done over a time to minimise the impact on residents as much as possible,’’ he added.

Badroodien says the reason for it being 72 hours is that it is due to the size and scale of the pipe network; the time it takes to clear the pipeline so it is safe for the maintenance team to work on; and the time is takes for the pipeline to fill afterwards to build up sufficient pressure to supply water across the affected network when the work is completed.

Badroodien urged residents to:

·        Use water sparingly in this period, only for essential use

·        Consider a 'cowboy splash' or 'top and tail' or 'waskom' wash for body washing. Use a bucket or large plastic bowl of water to wipe yourself down.

·        Use greywater from washing to flush toilets.

·        Use a bucket or bowl in the sink to wash dishes. Do not fill the whole sink with water.

·        Spot-clean clothes where necessary.

·        You will not be able to hose down hard-surfaced or paved areas with municipal tap water.

·        Alternative water coming directly from boreholes and well-points should not be used for drinking, cooking (and food preparation) or body washing, as it is not treated municipal tap water and it could be contaminated.

·        You will not be able to water gardens or top up swimming pools with tap water, as these are not essential use.

·        Make sure your geyser is turned off for the duration of the pipeline maintenance period to prevent any damage.

·        Ensure that all taps are closed to prevent water loss and/or damage when the supply is restored.

·        Only use drinking water from the City's network (stored or from the water tanker) or bottled water

·        Do not collect water from the scour valves, which will be opened at certain times to allow for flushing out sediments and debris from the system.

This is not the first time the municipality had to turn off the taps. Previously, the City conducted work on its bulk water supply network, but this time it is on its reticulation network – the pipes that bring water to properties

The MMC said water tankers will be deployed throughout the three days for emergency relief.

‘’Six water tankers with limited capacity will be located at key areas and it will require that residents travel to collect water. Residents are strongly encouraged to plan well ahead of time by storing water beforehand, prior to the shut off. This, combined with water saving measures will reduce/eliminate the need to collect water. Exact details of water tanker locations will be communicated once finalised,’’ said Zahid Badroodien, MMC for Water & Sanitation.

‘’Please be mindful that if tankers have left the site during the day, they have left to refill the tanker. Residents are encouraged to remain calm whilst tankers are refilling. Furthermore, in the planning for this operation roaming tankers were considered but given the limited capacity to effectively manage resources this was not deemed viable,’’ he added.

 

WHEN COLLECTING WATER FROM TANKERS:

·        Water from City tankers is safe to drink. It has been tested.

·        Store water in clean, sealed containers

·        Be mindful of your neighbours who also need water- only collect what you need

·        Be patient- you will be served

·        Tankers will be available all three days.

Badroodien urged residents to not visit the five sites where the maintenance work will take place, as heavy duty machinery will be in operation and may cause harm to those not permitted to access the area.

 

Done By: Mitchum George